Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4875, the "United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016," which will create a United States Semiquincentennial Commission (Commission) with the responsibility to provide for the observance and commemoration, in 2026, of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. It is altogether fitting and proper that this historic milestone be commemorated. The Act provides that the Commission will include officials who are members of the House and Senate appointed by congressional leaders, private citizens appointed by congressional leaders, and nonvoting ex officio members from the executive branch. I wholeheartedly welcome the participation of Members of Congress and private citizens in the activities of the Commission. In accord with President Reagan's Signing Statement for similar commemorative legislation in 1983, I understand, and my Administration has so advised the Congress, that because the Commission includes Members of Congress and congressional appointees, the Commission may provide advice and recommendations, and may participate in ceremonial activities, but may not participate in matters involving the execution of the laws, in light of the separation of powers and the Appointments and Ineligibility Clauses of the Constitution.
BARACK OBAMA
The White House,
July 22, 2016.
NOTE: H.R. 4875, approved July 22, was assigned Public Law No. 114-196.
Barack Obama, Statement on Signing the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/317842